Monday, April 25, 2011

Black Bean Brownies

A few weeks back I drove with another woman to the LDS cannery and learned some interesting things about food storage and preparation. She told me that you can make a batch of brownies with just the mix and a can of black beans and not only does it work, it tastes good!

No way, really?

Really.

Please note -- this is not the best brownie I've ever had. But it's pretty good, and since my guilt level at eating a whole pan of brownies is significantly diminished (hey, I need the fiber and the protein!), it's a handy little recipe to have. And super easy.

Drain and rinse 1 can of black beans. Put the beans back in the can and then fill with water. Blend in a blender or food processor until smooth. Mix with 1 brownie mix and bake according to package directions -- maybe a little longer than called for (check with a toothpick).

That's really it. It's a pretty dense, chewier brownie than usual. My girls liked them ok -- we'll see if they ask for more later. That will be the real test.

But a can of black beans and a brownie mix? That's a great treat that works for shelf-stable food storage!

What is this?

Even though I am now a stay-at-home mom, I can't stop reading, writing, and lesson planning! My brain was permanently wired from years of teaching middle and high school history and English. I continue to be inspired by literature and want to talk about it with others. Every now and then, I have a lightbulb worth sharing -- and sometimes it's a lemonade disaster!